PDF vs web-based IxD portfolios

28 Nov 2011 - 7:17pm

Last reply:
3 years ago

3 replies

1125 reads

tstutts

2008

I'm trying to get a sense for whether it's more effective to have a
PDF or web-based IxD portfolio. I am currently going the online
route, but I like the self-contained aspect and officialness that a
PDF suggests. Does this communicate more effectively with a senior
generation of managers/leaders? Can a PDF portfolio cater more to
specific industries, like entertainment? Has anyone used both types
and noticed a more positive reception of one or the other?

Comments

28 Nov 2011 - 9:16pm

ericscotteisher

2010

Hey there,

I built an interactive PDF that links to both work I have done and work that inspires me.

When I was looking for work, my resume was commented on by each person I reached out to.

The reason I like having my resume offline is it helps me keep a conversation going with a potential employer, i.e., by sending a personal introduction and resume, I can write a follow-up and feel like less of a creep.

Also, LinkedIn profiles are great pre-resumes.

Good luck.

29 Nov 2011 - 6:37am

Brian Mclaughlin

2008

As a hiring manager - my answer is "both".

You need something that can be printed, passed around, left behind, etc. And as an interactive design canidate, you need to show samples of your interactive design.

29 Nov 2011 - 10:05am

Traci Lepore

2008

I've actually found that a PPT that I can export as a PDF and have uploaded on Slideshare.com as something online to point to has worked really well for me. Especially since in my PPT I can hide or show slides and easily adjust to target specific jobs then and upload different versions of the PPT and have different PDFS. As a designer, of course I hate PPT, but have to say it has made this EXTREMELY easy. It has been received well too, and no one has batted an eye.